Japan 2014 Pre-Game: 2 Shot Bonanza

Yes, you read that right. The pre-game for Japan 2014 has already started. Just a few short weeks after we come back from Japan we find out we’re going back again. Why? Because AKB48’s yet to be titled 5th album is being released in January and with it comes the opportunity for a 2 shot with the member(s) of your choosing.

Things are also slightly different from the last 2 shot event where they guarantee you will get your picture(s) with your idol(s). Game changer? I don’t know, I’ve never been to one of these things so I’ll find out from those who have traversed the deadly seas of wota before me.

Obviously the idea of going back so soon is insane. But if the opportunity arises it’s best to go for it and live without any regrets. This will check off another major item on my AKB bucket list quicker than I had expected. Honestly, I thought this would be one of the last things I would do as part of the fandom.

Regardless of you who your idol affiliation(s) may be with you can’t deny that getting a picture (or pictures) with your favorite idols is something you would drop everything for if you have the means to do so. If you are a bitter asshole who thinks this is a waste of time simply because it’s associated with AKB/AKS then you need to seriously grow the fuck up.

For example, I don’t like a lot of what Hello! Project does these days, but I’m not shitting on anyone for getting a picture with idols from that organization. It’s actually more difficult to get pictures with their idols so I give kudos to those who have accomplished such a daunting feat.

I know quite a few people who have done this and not once have I ever told them they wasted their time trying to do so. I congratulated them happily and I can only hope they do the same when I start posting my pics with AKS members.

So to those of that mindset I say this to you. Instead of whining about people going to see idols you’re not interested in, why not try to take the opportunities presented to you from your favorite idols? Man up, start asking questions and go and take a risk. The worst-case scenario is that you end up in Japan for a few days with time to kill on the many things to do there. You don’t have to live idols 24/7/365.

You win either way the way I see it and I would love to read about your experiences if you decide to grow a pair and show up to something.

Since I am in the giving mood I have some wise words of advice for the hordes of foreign fans making their way to this type of event for the first time. This is the same advice passed on to me by veterans before I embarked on the handshake adventure. These wise words are:

Don’t fuck this up for the rest of us.

I know a lot of you are excited about participating in your first event but perhaps you should curb your enthusiasm. A lot of what you are about to read is taken from the tomes of wisdom written by more experienced individuals, so I’m paraphrasing in my own way to make things clearer for all of you. You don’t have to listen but it helped me not screw up so it can’t all be that bad right?

First off, just because it’s possible to buy 30 tickets for one member doesn’t necessarily mean you should actually do it. Have some consideration for the other fans applying as well. We’re all paying to stand in line too you know.

Keep your applications at a reasonable number, especially if your Japanese speaking skills are sub-par. No one wants to wait for the foreigner holding up the line because they are stumbling to communicate what they want to do for a pose. Also, it’s not cool to screw other people out of their 2 shot because you decided to be a greedy prick & take up all of a member’s time. Contrary to popular belief these events don’t center around just you and your needs.

Seriously, the nerve of some people to actually state that they don’t care about the handshakes and just want the 2 shot. You spoiled brats. Do you know how many people would kill to be in the position you are in? Show some fucking humility and appreciate the fact that you are able to do this at all. You can’t meet your favorite because she’s sold out? Join the club. If you really want to meet your favorite member you do it by any means necessary (picture proof or not) otherwise you’re just all talk and no action.

For those of you who have the member(s) you want, what if one shows up late, gets sick or no shows? Are you prepared for the eventuality that you may have to call an audible if things don’t go your way? I sure hope so because crying over not getting to see your favorite member due to circumstances won’t win you any friends. Everyone gets burned every now and then.

Remember, these events aren’t some anime convention where you can overwhelm staff with your incessant whining. Show up, play nice and don’t cause any trouble if something goes awry. You don’t want the staff thinking all foreigners are a bunch of loud ingrates do you?

Apologies for the rant, but these things have to be said sometimes even if it’s a little blunt.

Anyway, let’s move on to happier things. The Japan 4 will ride again for a brief time. I’ll probably only be in Japan for a week this time. (The others plan to be there at least 2 weeks) I’ll pretty much be pulling a hit & run instead of a full vacation. I plan to go back in fall anyway if I can figure out how to apply for the Janken or if there’s a handshake or something I can do during the last quarter of the year.

There was a request on the survey to film an actual useful documentary for the next trip instead of showing the shenanigans that result in some rather useless footage. xD So let me know what you want to see by commenting below so I can add it to my filming schedule. Serious requests only please. All unhelpful BS will be moderated accordingly.

I’ll probably also be asking for pose suggestions once my applications are over which will result in another contest of course. So stay tuned for that as well.